Monday, March 29, 2010

We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give. Sir Winston Churchill

Life is just a mirror, and what you see out there, you must first see inside of you. Wally 'Famous' Amos

Human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives. William James

Order is not pressure which is imposed on society from without, but an equilibrium which is set up from within. Jose Ortega y Gasset

Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing. Abraham Lincoln

The farther behind I leave the past, the closer I am to forging my own character. Isabelle Eberhardt

Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values. Ayn Rand

A successful individual typically sets his next goal somewhat but not too much above his last achievement. In this way he steadily raises his level of aspiration. Kurt Lewin

Our lives improve only when we take chances - and the first and most difficult risk we can take is to be honest with ourselves. Walter Anderson

Learn the art of patience. Apply discipline to your thoughts when they become anxious over the outcome of a goal. Impatience breeds anxiety, fear, discouragement and failure. Patience creates confidence, decisiveness, and a rational outlook, which eventually leads to success. Brian Adams

If you can attain repose and calm, believe that you have seized happiness. Eleonore de Lespinasse

Of course there is no formula for success except perhaps an unconditional acceptance of life and what it brings. Arthur Rubinstein

Good habits result from resisting temptation. Ancient Proverb

Look not mournfully into the past. It comes not back again. Wisely improve the present. It is thine. Go forth to meet the shadowy future, without fear. Henry Wadsworth LongfellowA preoccupation with the future not only prevents us from seeing the present as it is but often prompts us to rearrange the past. Eric Hoffer

As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

We don't receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey that no one can take for us or spare us. Marcel Proust

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

some of the latest alcohol and drug related stories from About.com/Alcoholism;

Miami Heat's Dorell Wright Faces DUI ChargeMiami Heat player Dorell Wright has been charged with DUI and driving with a suspended license after South Beach police saw him speeding in his 2005 Bentley. He was also charged with driving 52 MPH in a 25 MPH zone and not having proof of insurance.

Rapper DMX Sentenced to Six MonthsThe rapper DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, has been sentenced to six months in jail for violating his probation by using drugs. The rap artist admitted to authorities that he was using cocaine and not complying with the terms of his probation.

Girlfriend of Cameron Douglas SentencedKelly Sott, who was arrested along with Michael Douglas's son Cameron on drug trafficking charges, has been sentenced to the seven months she has already served in jail since her arrest. "I learned a good lesson," Sott told the judge. "I just want to leave all that behind me - the drugs. ... Thank you for giving me a second chance."

Drunken Thief Returns Singer Justin Moore's GuitarCountry singer Justin Moore says he understands how a rowdy fan got drunk and decided to steal his favorite Gibson guitar valued around $4,000. Moore said he was just glad the guy returned the guitar after he sobered up and decided it was a mistake.

Man Too Drunk for DUI SentencingA Nebraska man managed to avoid getting sentenced for his DUI conviction - he was too drunk. Authorities said Jason Botos, 30, who was driven to the courthouse by his father, was so drunk when he arrived he had to be helped out of the vehicle and into the courthouse. Inside, his blood alcohol concentration was recorded at 0.43.

Hallucinating Woman Arrested by PoliceHospital personnel thought something was wrong when a otherwise healthy 28-year-old Nevada woman came to the emergency room complaining that she was bleeding from every part of her body. She had driven to the hospital with her 3-year-old daughter and crashed into a concrete wall in the parking lot. Nicole Ray was charged with suspicion of child abuse, driving under the influence of drugs, being under the influence of a controlled substance, probation violation and failure to use due caution.

Monday, March 22, 2010

He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.Socrates

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.Mark Twain

Mistakes are always forgivable, if one has the courage to admit them.Bruce Lee

Someone's sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.Warren Buffett

If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.--Margaret Thatcher

Happiness is something that comes into our lives through doors we don't even remember leaving open.Rose Lane

* Never mistake knowledge for wisdom. One helps you make a living, the other helps you make a lifeSandra Carey

Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them - every day begin the task anew.Saint Francis de Sales

Life is not measured by the breaths you take, but by its breathtaking moments.Michael Vance

Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.Art Linkletter

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Saturday, March 20, 2010

not very encouraging for someone attemptingrecovery or their family.while that may be true in some cases,it can be remedied.

it is imperative for anyone dealing withan addiction to first identify, then takemeasures to alter the mindset and behaviorpatterns that lead back to former habits.

wow, what a novel concept;behavior modification

today rather than obsessing aboutstaying away from a drink, drug, casinoor twinkie; I can devote my energies topositive ideas, acivities, and people thatfoster an atmosphere of an affirmative andpractical nature, rather than discouraging.

being creatures of habit, this is nosimple task. it starts with small goalsthat can be expanded in time.

the satisfaction gained from changingpast behavior is a huge benefit toself-esteem and a positive outlook.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

while I certainly have a myriad ofexperience admitting wrongs, makingamends and rehashing all my pasttransgressions, my 12 step journey hasn'tallowed much opportunity to examinemy assets and positive qualities.

there was some benefit from listingcharacter flaws and making amends.

now I view my past recovery asa decent starting point, but notsufficient to expand on my values,goals or continued progressive wellness.

my persona is not that of an alcoholic firstand foremost as I was exposed to in aa.I am a father, a son and a partner whodeveloped a drinking problem.

as I address the internal struggles andexternal forces that contributed toaddiction, I am better prepared today;by drawing on my strengths andabilities rather than the formeradmission of powerlessness andsubscribing to the flawed "disease concept".

Monday, March 15, 2010

"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense." –– Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Everyone has his burden. What counts is how you carry it." ––Merle Miller

"Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it." Lou Holtz

"Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. Buddha

Sunday, March 7, 2010

"Due to circumstances beyond your control, you are master of your fate and captain of your soul."

"It's good to have money and the things that money can buy, but it's good, too, to check up once in a while and make sure that you haven't lost the things that money can't buy."
--George Horace Lorimer

If you fill your heart with regrets of yesterday and the worries of tomorrow, you have no today to be thankful for.

Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.

A closed mouth gathers no feet

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
--Aesop

Anyone can enjoy good days; those who find ways to enjoy bad days have something going for them!

If you are too busy to laugh, you are too busy.

To make mistakes is human; to stumble is commonplace; to be able to laugh at yourself is maturity.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Putting the production of his hit television series on hold, actor Charlie Sheen has reportedly checked himself into rehab. "As a preventative measure, Charlie Sheen has entered a rehabilitation facility. He will take some time off his series Two and a Half Men. He has asked that his privacy be honored. No further statements are planned," his publicist told reporters.

Brittany Murphy Had No Signs of Drugs, Alcohol

In spite of rumors to the contrary, actress Brittany Murphy did not die from alcohol or drug abuse, according to a coroner's report. The autopsy report did say Murphy had "elevated levels" of Vicodin and over-the-counter cold medicine in her system, however.

Michael Douglas' Son Denied Bail in Meth Case

Cameron Douglas was denied bail and a request for outpatient addiction treatment as he awaits sentencing for his guilty plea of drug trafficking. The son of actor Michael Douglas is scheduled to be sentenced in federal court April 14 for selling methamphetamine and cocaine.

Leif Garrett Pleads Not Guilty in Heroin Case

Former teen idol Leif Garrett has entered a not guilty plea to felony drug possession. Garrett's attorney claims police illegally searched him on Feb. 1 in the city subway system in Los Angeles.

'Heroes' Actor Adrian Pasdar Charged With DUI

Actor Adrian Pasdar, star of the television series "Heroes," has been charged with driving under the influence. The 44-year-old actor was spotted swerving over two lanes of traffic on a Los Angeles freeway.

'Deadliest Catch' Star Arrested for DUI

Jake Harris, a deckhand on Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch," was arrest for drunken driving after Washington state troopers said the failed field sobriety tests and refused to take a breath test. Harris is the son of the late Capt. Phil Harris, a co-star of the reality television series.